Premise
The Black Templars and the Astra Militarum’s Steel Legion fend off a massive ork waaagh during the 3rd battle for Armageddon.
Quick info.
Release Date: – 01 April, 2019
Run time: – 150 mins.
Genre: – Action/Sci-fi [Adult Animation]
Where to watch? – FREE on YT! [not available on any digital platform]
Review
This was one of those viewing experiences that left me utterly speechless. WHAT A MOVIE.
I was already a fair bit into the basic lore/world of 40k, so understanding the various stuff/references throughout the movie was pretty much smooth sailing for the majority of it (but it wouldn’t be the case for complete newbies, I’m afraid; it’d still make an amazing watch though, nonetheless).
And having watched (and liked) Ultramarines: A Warhammer 40,000 Movie, I was sooo pumped to dive into this next. And let me tell you very honestly, it surpassed my expectations way beyond imagination!
Helsreach is easily amongst one of the best animated movies I’ve watched… and that’s saying something.
Here are my thoughts about it:
NO SPOILERS
“Hell is coming, brother.”
Helsreach follows Chaplain Merek Grimaldus, the newly promoted Reclusiarch of the Black Templars Space Marines Chapter, tasked with leading his squad, with support from the 101st Armageddon Steel Legion, to defend the hive city of Helsreach from a massive Ork Waaagh invasion set during the Third War for Armageddon. What follows is 150 mins. of pure carnage, relentless drama, and a flurry of emotions that will stay with you for a long time indeed.
The good
Let me be clear from the get go – EVERYTHING about this movie was good. End of discussion.
- Okay, so to start off, the animation was quite unique yet awesome. The first half or so is in the B/W, kinda unorthodox “sketchy” style, while the latter half follows a more conventional 3D colour style. Honestly, LOVED the animation!
- The BGM was simply SUPERB, and coupled with an excellently impactful narration and tons of epic moments make for an unforgettable viewing in every sense of the word. The voice acting was also very impressive, and made a huge impact.
- The characters, their interaction, their development through the movie is so well-done. What was even great about it was that the human POV was equally well-shown as that of the Space Marines’ one (even though the latter make up most of it).
- The plot was… just WOW. Talk about action, drama, brutality, camaraderie, brotherhood, valor, chaos, and so much more heart and grit flowing through its length. INCREDIBLE!
The “not so” good
There was literally NOTHING bad about the movie whatsoever. It was perfect. PERIOD.
Highlights (dialogues/quotes/text)
- “Brother, does anyone ever laugh at your jokes?” “Humans sometimes do.” [lol]
Other info.
- It was made and edited with the voice narration of Black Library’s “Helsreach” audiobook, authored by one of the greats in Aaron Dembski-Bowden. Not to mention the perfectly brilliant direction by Richard Boylan.
- Content Warning: – Blood/gore/mature themes are present (duh).
A true MASTERPIECE by all means, Helsreach is amongst the best animated media that I’ve come across. It’s an experience quite unlike any other, one that will not only thrill, but also manage to evoke strong emotions in 40k newbies and veterans alike.
9.5/10!
(AMAZING beyond words. Left me SPEECHLESS. MUST WATCH!)
